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Copyright 2005 Julie Shepherd Knapp
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The Homeschool Diner's
Click-O-Matic Guide to
Choosing a Homeschooling Approach
by Julie Shepherd Knapp, copyright 2006


Student's Personality
(15 questions)


Does this statement describe your student?

1.  Enjoys academics, and likes to spend time learning.

Take a look at these approaches:
School-at-Home;  Classical Education;  Independent Research;  
Distance Learning.


2.  Wants or needs to spend minimal time on academics.

Take a look at these approaches:
Unschooling;  The Moore Formula;  Distance Learning (programs vary, check with each as to
time commitment needed)


3.  Is a "reluctant learner".  May say that he or she "hates school".  

The student may be disillusioned with traditional school methods/goals, or possibly suffering from
temporary "burn-out" after a bad school experience,  or may be (by nature) a fiercely independent
learner who doesn't like to be "taught" anything by anybody.  

Take a look at these approaches:
Unschooling;  Educational Games;   Audio-Visual Materials;  
Independent Research.  

Try to find educational activities that are fun, short, and do not "feel" like school.  You may see
improvement in attitude over time, and be able to gradually add more structured learning... but do not
rush it.  The important thing is to give them time to discover (or re-discover) the joy in learning.   


4.  Likes to learn from parents.  Wants parental participation.

Take a look at these approaches:
Charlotte Mason; Literature-based; Classical Education;  
School-at-Home  (when used without enrollment in online programs).


5.  Prefers to learn independently.  Likes open-ended learning experiences, with lots of
flexibility and freedom.

Take a look at these approaches:
Unschooling;  Independent Research;
Computer-Based Instruction;  Eclectic Homeschooling.  


6.  Works well independently, can take assignments to completion with little or no help, and
is able to manage time and stay on schedule.

Take a look at these approaches:
Workbooks;  School-at-Home;  Independent Research;  
Eclectic Homeschooling;  Distance Learning.


7.  Likes variety and a flexible schedule, with a choice of assignments.

Take a look at these approaches:
Eclectic Homeschooling;  Unit Studies;  Waldorf Homeschooling;  Montessori
Homeschooling;  Independent Research.


8.  Is overwhelmed by too many options.  Prefers low-stress, predictable assignments.

Take a look at these approaches:
Charlotte Mason;  Workbooks;  School-at-Home
(School-at-Home programs vary in intensity.  Consider using a curriculum independently, without
enrollment in online programs, to eliminate stressful deadlines).


9.  Prefers to follow a daily routine.  Would enjoy a checklist for assignments.

Take a look at these approaches:
School-at-Home;  Workbooks;  

Many purchased curricula provide daily lesson plans and assignments.  
Remember that parents can set a routine and put together a checklist for any homeschool approach.


10.  Is more comfortable learning at a slow steady pace.

Take a look at these approaches:
Unschooling;  Delayed Instruction;  Montessori Homeschooling.  

Remember that one of the benefits of homeschooling is that parents can allow their students to learn
at their own pace -- you have the right (and the responsibility) to modify the approach you choose in
order to best meet your child's needs.  You can adjust the pace of any curriculum that you use
independently.  Consider avoiding curriculum that is labeled by grade-level so that your child can feel
proud of his or her accomplishments, no matter what level he or she is working at.


11.  Learns quickly and breezes thru assignments.

Take a look at these approaches:
Eclectic Homeschooling;  Classical Education;  Distance Learning;  
explore Gifted Enrichment options

Find ways to add depth and breadth to whatever homeschooling approach you choose.  If you choose
a pre-packaged curriculum - you will likely need to seek out supplements to use along with it.  Avoid
any curriculum that is sold strictly by grade-level -- your child may go thru the material very quickly, but
not be allowed to advance.  Get used to the idea that you will probably have to modify and/or improve
upon any approach you choose.  Consider Distance Learning (possibly gifted enrichment options) but
check that they allow students to progress (even thru grade levels, if needed) at their own pace.


12.  Thrives on challenge.  Seeks out new assignments.

Take a look at these approaches:
Classical Education;  Thomas Jefferson Education;  
Independent Research;  Eclectic Homeschooling;  Distance Learning;  explore Gifted
Enrichment options


13.  Needs drill and repetition to remember.  Memorizes facts easily.  Learns sequentially.

Take a look at these approaches:
School-at-Home;  Workbooks;  Classical Education.


14.  Needs to fully understand the concept to remember.  Needs to see the big picture.  Is a
"whole to part" learner.  May be a
Visual-Spatial Learner.

Take a look at these approaches:
Unit Studies;  Audio-Visual Materials;   Hands-On Learning;  
Eclectic Homeschooling.

Avoid traditional school methods, including School-at-Home and most workbooks -- they are very
sequential and tend to focus on the  memorization of facts, rather than "whole to part" concepts.  
Examine all resources before buying to be sure new concepts are explained in a way your child will
understand.   You may have to pick and choose from different approaches to best meet your child's
style of learning.


15.  Needs hands-on involvement to remember.  Learns by doing.

Take a look at these approaches:
Montessori Homeschooling;  Hands-On Learning;  Educational Games.



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The
Homeschool Diner's

Click-O-Matic Guide

to Choosing a
Homeschool Approach